ODM boss Raila Odinga has said that maize shortage in the country is made up, amid the agriculture ministry's plans to import the commodity.

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Speaking on Friday, the former Prime Minister urged the Mwangi Kiunjuri-led ministry to stop the importation plans, terming the shortage artificial.

He based his argument on alleged consultations with maize farmers, coming to the conclusion that there is more than enough maize in the country and no need for importation.

“I held wide consultations with farmers and their representatives, and with the Strategic Food Reserve Trust Fund (SFRTF)," said Raila.

He claimed that the said shortage is the working of cartels out to make a kill, in collaboration with the ministry, but noted that the same is disadvantageous to Kenyans and the farmers.

He called upon investigative agencies to probe the matter which he said is growing into a habitual routine.

"I am convinced that something is amiss and that the country may be getting dragged into the routine of artificial, ministry-made grain shortages to allow importation by a cartel in and out of government while consumers and farmers suffer," he added.

Kiunjuri on Wednesday revealed plans to import 19 million bags, which Raila wants to be stopped, advising the ministry to mop up the maize lying in farmer's stores first.